If you’re like me you want your iDevice protected so you put it in a case, but you love to use Apple’s accessories rather if it is the iPad Keyboard Dock, Universal Dock, or even down to non Apple products like iHome. Well from doing some research it is because Apple provides accessories for stock iDevices. For example your iPad doesn’t come with a case, you have to buy one on your own. Well how does Apple know your going to buy a case? So they only accommodate their docks to fit without a case. Even if they did accommodate to a case say you have a Barely There case that is 0.9 mm thin or an Outter Box Defender case that is 5 cm thick that means basically for every iPad or iPhone or iPod case out there Apple would have to specialize a new dock for them. This is the answer to every time we complain about Apple not having their docks fit our cases.
The Mod Stripe iPad Case by CaseCrown is a fantastic low-profile case. It’s faux leather and contrasting nylon stripe add great aesthetic features and all of your ports and buttons are fully accessible, including the SIM card slot (iPad 3G). It’s extremely thin but will still do a great job at protecting the back of the iPad.
The Mod Stripe iPad case by CaseCrown is my favorite low-profile case by far. To start off, they one and only downfall that this case has, is that it will only protect the back of the iPad and a little bit of the sides, but absolutely none of the front. With that said, the Mod Stripe adds only 0.2 cm of thickness to the device and barely any weight. It also allows complete access to all of the buttons (from any angle) and ports as well as the SIM card slot on the 3G iPads (which many cases don’t offer).
The case comes in four different color combinations – Brown/Yellow, Black/White, Black/Silver, and Black/Red. All of the cases are made of faux (false) leather, which seems very durable, along with a nylon stripe that runs down the center of the case which adds a fantastic contrast. To install the case, you simply snap the iPad in and surprisingly, it actually stay on very well, much better than expected.
One feature that I love about the case, is that it allows you to use headphones with it that have larger than normal jacks (the size most headphones – not earbuds – have). This is a very important feature to me because I use my headphones very often and most of the time if I have a case on my iPad, I can use my headphones because the hole for the headphone jack isn’t large enough. This case doesn’t, unfortunately, work with Apple’s iPad dock.
Selling for $36.99, this is a great buy and well worth the money.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
The OtterBox Defender Series case for the iPad is the most protective iPad case on the market to date. It’s strength combined with it’s stealth-like design makes it one of a kind and well worth the $89.95 (pricey – yes – but worth it when protecting a $600 device).
The case features a hard plastic internal shell coupled with a shock-absorbent exterior silicone layer makes for the perfect combination. The plastic shell holds the device in place while protecting virtually every part of the device while the silicone layer provides added support for drops and such while also covering the the headphone jack as to protect against debris that might find it’s way into the ports. It also features a removable piece at the bottom of the case to allow for easy docking in Apple’s iPad charging dock.
The Defender Series has a cutout on the back to display the Apple logo, however, it has a plastic film on it so that logo’s area is not exposed. It also comes with a clear screen protector to protect the entire screen of the iPad from scratches.
The one and only downside that this case has, is the fact that it adds so much bulk as well as weight, but that is to be expected with such a protective case. I highly recommend picking this case up for yourself and out of the several iPad cases that I own, I normally choose this one.
Video Coming Soon.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
Marware, the Florida based electronic accessories company, has sent TechGeec.com the SportShell Convertible case for the iPad to review. The case is extremely innovative with new features that most other hard-shell iPad cases don’t have. The SportShell Convertible has a retail price of $59.99 – a pretty steep price for a case, but definitely worth it once you find out about all of the features it has to offer.
The one feature that stands out the most is the replaceable back. The case comes with two backings – one clear, and one gray (matching the rest of the case). The gray back can be installed if one wishes to not have the back of the iPad visible. If one would like to have the Apple logo, ‘iPad’ branding, as well as the allotted memory visible, then the clear back may be installed to still provide the same amount of protection, but also allow the iPad’s back to be visible. Also, one can place a picture between the iPad and the clear back so as to display the photo.
Another key feature of the SportShell Convertible, is the four “legs”. Two long legs allow for the iPad to be propped up at the perfect angle for browsing the web, watching movies, or searching through the YouTube app, while two much shorter, stubbier legs allow the iPad to be lifted ever so slightly to (try to) make it easier to type on. Personally, I am indifferent when it comes to these shorter legs because it does not prop the iPad up at a great enough angle to make it any easier to type (however, others may find it to be very useful; it depends on personal preference).
The case also comes with a hand strap that may or may not come in handy (no pun intended☺). I don’t find it all that useful and so if one chooses to remove it, the stubs that hold it in place may be removed very easily.
The major downside to the SportShell Convertible is that the case wraps around very closely to the volume rockers/orientation lock and the power button. There’s a slip lip to allow for easy acces to them from behind, however, if trying to access them straight on (how I do) it can be a bit difficult.
One last feature that many may enjoy (while others may not) is that the case does not cover the aluminum bezel on the front of the iPad (in other words, some of the aluminum on the front of the iPad is exposed). Some may like the fact that the sleek aluminum is peeking through, while others would rather have all of the aluminum protected (I enjoy it).
Overall, this case is highly recommend, although the price may be hefty. It’s feature packed, elegant, and most importantly, it will protect your iPad. You can find more information about the SportShell Convertible at Marware.com.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings and/or products after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
The OtterBox Defender Series case for the iPhone 3G/3GS, iPod touch 2G/3G, iPhone 4 (coming soon), and the iPad (coming soon) is the most protective iDevice case on the market to date. It’s strength combined with it’s stealth-like design makes it one of a kind and well worth the money. Prices are as follows:
iPhone 3G/3GS: $49.95
iPod touch 2G/3G: $29.95
iPhone 4: $49.95
iPad: $89.95
The case features a hard plastic internal shell coupled with a shock-absorbent exterior silicone layer makes for the perfect combination. The plastic shell holds the device in place while protecting virtually every part of the device while the silicone layer provides added support for drops and such while also covering the 30-pin dock connector as well as the headphone jack as to protect against debris that might find it’s way into those ports.
The Defender Series has a cutout on the back to display the Apple logo, however, it has a plastic film on it so that logo’s area is not exposed. There is also a “built-in” screen protector which will still work with a separate screen protector that may be already installed on the device.
The one and only downside that this case has, is the fact that it adds so much bulk, but that is to be expected with such a protective case. I highly recommend picking this case up for yourself and out of the twenty-or-so cases I own, this is my preferred case.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings and/or products after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
Rivet‘s Vertical Sleeve for the MacBook Pro 15″ is unbelievably unique. It’s a sleeve made from canvas as well as vintage leather. The sleeve is meant to act as a “sock” to prevent any scratches or dust. The sleeve conforms fantastically to the shape of the computer and so there is very little bulk. Because of this, you’re free to store the Mac in a briefcase, backpack, or anything else that you would normally store the computer in except now you won’t have to risk getting any scratches.
The majority of the sleeve is made from a tan-colored canvas material. The canvas adds a very unique feel to the sleeve and what’s nice is that it’s not too soft but yet not too rough. Working with the canvas is vintage leather which can be found on the bottom two corners as well as the large strip going down the center of the sleeve displaying Rivet’s logo. The leather has a dark brown color which accents the tan-colored canvas exquisitely. Going around all of the leather is red thread which adds the final touches to the sleeve and makes everything “pop.”
Velcro holds the sleeve closed. This is where I found a very minor flaw. The piece of leather which folds over the sleeve to keep it closed doesn’t align perfectly with the leather strip and so if you look closely you can see the imperfection (this is, however, a very minor flaw which can’t be noticed unless one would be paying attention to it).
Rivet’s Vertical Sleeve is available HERE for a very reasonable price tag of $39.90. Below is a video reviewing the sleeve and please feel free to leave a comment saying what you think of the Vertical Sleeve.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
It seems that a few companies have wasted no time to release their brand new iPad accessories. With 57 days left until the iPad is available for purchase, these few companies are already ahead of the game. Wrappers, Scosche, Griffen Technology, and iLuv are some companies that already have products lined up for the iPad.
Wrappers has announced no logo protective sleeves for Apple’s tablet including five new textiles for the iPad:
canvas backed corduroy that feels like faux suede in Midnight, Biscuit and Shrimp Pink £22.00/$36.00
durable black and white rafia tested to 33,000 rubs £28.00/$45.00
aqua colourway from LVMH Kenzo £25.00/$40.00
wool & black velvet mix from Calvin Klein £40.00/£$65.00
smart checked textile from Ralph Lauren £38.00/$61.00
Wrappers’ exclusive Alcantara (£31.00/$50.00), ballistic black nylon Cordura (£16.00/$26.00) and metallic finish polyurethane (£31.00/$50.00) sleeves will also be available for the iPad.
“We pride ourselves at consistently being one of the first accessories manufacturers to market with leading edge products following an iPhone, iPod, or now iPad announcement,” said Kas Alves, executive vice president of Scosche Industries. “It’s that ability to react quickly without sacrificing quality that has helped us develop necessary accessories like the new kickBACK.”
Griffen Technology has released four new cases for the iPad along with a full-sized screen protector.
Lastly, iLuv has ten brand new accessories for Apple’s iPad.
I am very pleased to give you TechGeec.com’s first MacBook Pro accessory review. Rivet was kind enough to send us out the MicroSleeve ($21.90) available for the MacBook Pro 15″ and MacBook 13″. To get the ball rolling, I’d first like to mention that this accessory is a sleeve (not a case) and so it’s not meant to protect the computer against major bumps, drops, and falls. What it will protect it against is dust, normal, everyday bumps, as well as gunk or fingerprints that may get on it while it’s being carried or moved.
The MicroSleeve is tailored from “exclusive” strong and soft micro fiber (similar to the cleaning cloths meant for computer screens, eye glasses, etc.). Because of this fabric, as you’re constantly sliding your MacBook in and out of the sleeve, it will be helping to remove some of the fingerprints or smudges that might be on the exterior casing of the Mac. Due to the softness of the micro fiber, it will also leave your computer scratch-free when sliding it in and out frequently.
The fabric is also incredibly thin leaving it available to fit in any backpack, briefcase, or bag that the MacBook would normally fit in by itself. Also, the MiroSleeve has a pretty tight fit on the MacBook so the shape of the computer will also show through the sleeve making it look even better than having a few loose corners like you might have on other sleeves.
The only flaw that I have found with the MicroSleeve is that on one of the sides, the fabric is cut about ¼ of a centimeter short so some of the Mac is exposed. Of course, this flaw is probably just on the particular sleeve that we happened to receive. For the most part, this is a magnificent sleeve for the MacBook and MacBook Pro and the gray color that it comes in will do a great job at suiting any lifestyle. You can find more information on Rivet’s MicroSleeve at RivetNow.com and stay tuned for our upcoming review on Rivet’s Vertical Sleeve.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
Proporta’s Soft Feel silicone case for the second generation iPod touch is out of this world. It is by far the best silicone case reviewed by TechGeec.com because of it’s protection as well as it’s unbelievably stunning design. As for all of Apple’s touch screen devices, the Soft Feel case is only available for the second generation iPod touch and sells for a price of $20.95.
Along the lines of protection, the Soft Feel case does a magnificent job, offering dual-layer protection. The case is made of a fairly thin white layer of silicon and about that is a thicker black layer of silicone. These two different colored layers really work well together playing off of one another to create a very unique look.
The design (being a silicone case) blows my mind and what really attracts me to it is the stealth-like look. The holes in the black layer of silicone allow the raised parts of the lower, white layer of silicone to rise through creating a very pleasing design. Although the Proporta logo (an armadillo) does get displayed twice (once on the front, lower left-hand corner as well as on the back along with the company’s name), it truly does not bother me at all because it flows very nicely with the rest of the case’s design. Of course you have all of the proper cutouts to allow easy access to the volume rockers, power/sleep button, and the 30-pin dock connector as well as the headphone jack.
As previously stated, this case is phenomenal and I highly recommend it to everyone. You can find more information on the case at Proporta.com and if this case doesn’t particularly interest you, can check out the other 2,700+ gadget accessories in Proporta‘s catalog.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
CaseCrown‘s MOD Shell could quite possibly be the best case for the iPod Touch 2G/3G [at an affordable cost - $19.99 ($12.21 as of December 28, 2009)]. The MOD Shell is available in Red/Black and White/Black. It’s design blows other comparative cases out of the water along with it’s affordable price.
The case is made from a premium grade synthetic leather which appeals to a vast majority of animal lovers. The faux leather not only looks like real leather, but it also smells like real leather which many companies cannot seem to be able to do. On the back of the case is a single, thick fiber woven stripe which seems to give the case a sporty design. The only suggestion I could give to make this case the best it can be, would be to make the thread outlining the stripe red on the red/black version. On the white/black version of the case, the thread outlining the white fiber woven stripe is white which accents the stripe beautifully.
The upper part of the left side of the case is left open to expose the volume rockers, the bottom is open to expose the 30-pin dock connector as well as the headphone jack, and the top is, of course, left open so that you can slide your device in and out. What I really enjoy, though, about the case is that the top does not go too high as to make it difficult to press the sleep/power button, contrary to DSstyle’s Twill Series. Finally, the small logo on the front does not take away from the chic design of the case. Many cases have the company’s name/logo printed too large. CaseCrown’s logo on the MOD Shell is just the right size.
The MOD Shell by CaseCrown is by far one of the best cases around and at an affordable price. You can view the MOD Shell for the iPod Touch HERE or the iPhone version HERE.
A Note From the Editors of TechGeec: Though all products and services reviewed by TechGeec are “final,” many companies now make changes to their offerings after publication of our reviews, which may or may not be reflected above.
